The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1887-09-03
let the Discussion Go ON.

Capitolian Advocate.
Our reform contemporaries have SO con-
spicuously failed to Justify their advocacy of
the reelection of Gen. Nichols by the record
of his administration, that they have been
driven to the dire necessity of attempting to
restrain the further discussion ofits acts and
policy, upon the plea that Democratic conyen-
tions had endorsed Gen. Nichols and his ad-
minstration and that papers had published
complimentary articles about him, at the
time of his retirement from office and since.
Now, lot us see what the Democratic con
vention of 1883 had to say, besides, giving
Gov. McEnery the more substantial endorse
ment OF nominating him for Governor, after
he had filled for two years the nneXpired
term of Gov. Witz, and at time when
factional animosity had been worked up to
the highest point. The resolutions said;
Whereas, ten years of fmismanagement under
usurpatiou bad brought the State of Lou
isiana to the verge of RUIN, after sowing
broadcast throughout its lands the seeds OF
strife aud dissension and
Whereas, the Democratic party has, under
great difficulties, redeemed the solemn
pledges it has made of reform iii all the
branches of the government;
Resolved, That we congratulate the good
people of louisiana that through the well
defined and progressive policy OF Demo
cratic Executive the following results have
been achieved:
l. The prevalence fpeaceful and contented
relations between the people of all classes
and races, so that every citizen is protected
in all his rights, and is now practically, as
we'll as theoretically, equal before the law,
through speedy and impartial admnistra-
tion of justice.
g The restoration of tho public credit of
the State, the finances being in tourlshlng
condition by reason of the systematic re-
trenchmehts jndiciously introduced in all
departments of the State government, and OF
an honest and efficient husbandry OF public
resources followed by material reduction OF
the burdens of taxation.
3. The rehabilitation of the public leyees
within the limits of the State, through the
energy and enterprise of % Democratic ad-
ministration, acting upon the wise policy OF
trusting first to ourselves i'll this great emer-
gency, without awaiting the action OF the
general government, which will ultimately
be extended to foster such national interests.
Resolved, That this record of the Demo
cratic party exhibits full redemption of its
pledges to the people, that it establishes IN
bold relief its aim and purpose to rear ana
foster a government of law and order, a gov
ernment by the people for the people, and
hence that it is patriotism to pursue its
integrity and promote its perpetuity SO that
any attempt to disintegrate it deserves to be
frowned down by the good people of the
State.
How we'll Gov. McEnery has carried out
the terms and the spirit OF these aeciaraLloDs,
is shown by the improved condition OF the
parochial affairs, though the management OF
the non. .factionol police juries appointed by
him the improved condition of the levees
and the schools; the encouragement given to
agricultural development and to immigra.
tion the appreciation in the value OF all
kinds of property, and the general improve
ment in the condition of the State.
These resolutions and facts have not pre-
| vented the opposition to Gov. McEnery, from
maintaining constant war upon him, and
none of his acts have escaped its unfriendly
criticisms.
1t is but fair, therefore, that at this
iuncture, when both ex.Gov. Nichols and
Gov McEuery are before the people for re-
election, the official acts and policy of their
administrations should be fully discussed
and subjected to the crucial test of discus
sion before the intelligent and thoughtful
people of the State, so that they may decide
Justly and correctly by the facts that may
be adduced, which of the two gentlemen
is best fitted to govern the State.
We assert, therefore, that the exceptions
that the Reform papers have set up against
the full discussion of the official course OF then
candidate should be overruled.
Justice to both gentlemen justice to the
people, and justice to the State and the Dem
| ocratic party, requires that the discussion
should go on, the resolutions of conventions
or complimentary notices by the papers, te
the contrary Notwithstanding.